‘What are you doing?’: Marnus in stump mic moment as Aussies take control
The Test series between South Africa and Australia has threatened to boil over on numerous occasions and another spot fire came after Marques Ackerman was dismissed in controversial circumstances on day three of the third Test at Newlands.
At 3-95, with South Africa trailing by five runs, Ackerman copped a brutal bouncer from Mitchell Starc and was caught by Cameron Green in the slips.
Marques Ackerman cops a brutal bouncer. AP Photo/Halden Krog
The ball hit Ackerman in the helmet as he tried to scoop it over the keeper, and he was given out caught.
Ackerman appeared unsure if he’d edged it before the helmet and went down to his captain Temba Bavuma asking about a review.
The opener did signal for a review, but it came when the timer was on zero, with the umpires ruling he’d run out of time.
Travis Head was seen checking on Ackerman as he spoke with Bavuma in what looked like a moment where he was telling him the time ran out. However, it became clear he was checking on his wellbeing after the helmet strike.
Marnus Labuschagne lacked the same amount of sympathy, with a regrettable stump mic moment captured.
“See you buddy. Heady, what are you doing mate? He’s off,” he said.
A member of the Australian team behind the stumps was heard replying “it’s all right, he’s just checking if he’s all right”.
Head then signalled to the boundary to check on Ackerman as he slowly walked off.
SuperSport commentator Natalie Germanos had noted the review timing was “touch and go” but it ended up benefiting South Africa with Ackerman clearly hitting it.
The incident is just another spot fire in a series that has managed to avoid any seriously tense moments.
Prior to the third Test, off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed on The Grade Cricketer that during the second Test Pat Cummins had been “riled up” as South Africa patiently batted.
“I do have a feeling this Test match is going to come to a head, so I think we’re in for a treat,” he added.
During South Africa’s first innings, Labuschagne was noticeably boisterous at first slip which appeared to annoy his rivals.
That was clear when he batted for five balls and the Proteas’ intensity turned up a notch.
When he was dismissed, Matthew Breetzke was seen jumping over the pitch and shouting with all eyes on the dismissed batter.
Matthew Breetzke jumps across the pitch. SuperSport
“That might have been a return serve when he got out to Cooper Connolly because Marnus was at first slip when that happened,” Simon Katich said.
Aiden Markram was the man who caught Labuschagne and directed words towards the batter too.
On day three during South Africa’s second innings, Breetzke managed to stay in and avoid any chirp as he finished not out on 19.
Breetzke walked off with Ryan Rickelton (8) with his side needing a huge morning on day four. Currently, the Proteas are 4-140 and lead by 40 runs.
Australia finished their innings bowled out for 429 with Josh Inglis (102) scoring a century in the morning.
South Africa’s start with the bat was a disaster with Aiden Markram (1) hitting a Mitchell Starc delivery to Travis Head at mid-off to make it 1-12.
1-12 quickly became 2-31 when David Bedingham was out hooking again, this time off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling.
Ackerman’s dismissal was a blow for South Africa but the biggest pain came from Temba Bavuma’s wicket.
The skipper fought hard for 35 off 115 balls but was bowled by Nathan Lyon two overs before stumps.
